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How Accurate are Recalls of Self‐Weighing Frequency? Data from a 24‐Month Randomized Trial
Author(s) -
Crane Melissa M.,
Gavin Kara,
Wolfson Julian,
Linde Jennifer A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.22239
Subject(s) - medicine , randomized controlled trial , limits of agreement , kappa , weight loss , physical therapy , mathematics , surgery , obesity , nuclear medicine , geometry
Introduction Self‐weighing is an important component of self‐monitoring during weight loss. However, methods of measuring self‐weighing frequency need to be validated. This analysis compared self‐reported and objective weighing frequency. Methods Data came from a 24‐month randomized controlled trial. Participants received 12 months of a behavioral weight‐loss program and were randomly assigned to (1) daily self‐weighing, (2) weekly weighing, or (3) no weighing (excluded from analysis). Objective weighing frequency was measured by Wi‐Fi enabled scales, and self‐reported weighing frequency was assessed every 6 months by questionnaire. Objective weights were categorized to match the scale of the self‐report measure. Results At 12 months, there was 80.8% agreement between self‐reported and objective weighing frequency (weighted kappa = 0.67; P < 0.001). At 24 months, agreement decreased to 48.5% (kappa = 0.27; P < 0.001). At both time points in which disagreements occurred, self‐reported frequencies were generally greater than objectively assessed weighing. Both self‐reported and objectively assessed weighing frequency was associated with weight loss at 12 and 24 months ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Self‐reported weighing frequency is modestly correlated with objective weighing frequency; however, both are associated with weight change over time. Objective assessment of weighing frequency should be used to avoid overestimating actual frequency.